Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
The P0549 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 1). This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $100 - $400 (parts and labor)
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light on
- False high temperature warning on Bank 2
- Unnecessary power reduction
- Bank 2 turbo protection activated
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Open circuit in Bank 2 EGT sensor wiring Very High
- Failed Bank 2 EGT sensor (open circuit) High
- Disconnected Bank 2 EGT sensor Moderate
- High-resistance corrosion in Bank 2 sensor circuit Moderate
Frequently Asked Questions
What does circuit high mean for P0549?
Circuit high on an EGT sensor means the ECM reads maximum scale temperature due to an open circuit. The sensor or wiring has a break, causing the reference voltage to pull high and indicate an impossibly hot temperature.
Can I drive with P0549?
You can drive short distances, but the ECM may limit engine power on Bank 2 to protect the turbocharger and exhaust components. Extended driving in this condition may trigger additional fault codes related to exhaust aftertreatment.
Are Bank 1 and Bank 2 EGT sensors interchangeable?
Usually yes, if they share the same part number. However, some engines use sensors with different thread sizes or connector types depending on location. Always verify the part number before swapping sensors.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Read Bank 2 EGT sensor 1 value; an extremely high reading with engine cold confirms open circuit
-
Check Bank 2 sensor connector for disconnection
-
Measure sensor resistance; an open circuit reading confirms failure
-
Compare to Bank 1 EGT sensor reading for reference
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- 2007-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 6.6L Duramax
- 2008-2018 Ford F-250 6.7L Powerstroke
- 2010-2020 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins
- 2009-2019 BMW X5 35d
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